We all gathered at Harrier’s county estate, on what was a warm cloudless evening with just the hint of a breeze. The circle space of our grove was prepared and decorated with flags before everyone came down the hill to the rite. The altar for offerings was put in place and decorated.

Beltane Circle
The ritual began with lively puckish spring energies everywhere. We reached the main part of the rite and Harrier spoke about the responsibilities we all have at this time of year. We also explored the growth of our seeds that we had all planted at Imbolc in the cold and grey light at the start of the year.
Then Harrier welcomed Jack-in-the-Green, who, as if by magic appeared from nowhere, who was this mysterious being?

Jack o' the Green
Then Jack began to speak… “Hello. Greetings and welcome to Beltane Eve. I am Jack-in-the-green. You may also know me as the Greenman or Jack of the Green or even as Cernunnos… There is new life everywhere; there is a thrust for life and a thrust from life, a time of growth, a time to thrive… This is not just a time of growth, fertility and magic of Mother Nature’s Oomph; but a time to celebrate and dance, time to enjoy the energy… Follow me in the dance”.
Then the dance began!
After much dancing, singing and general cavorting, the rite settled down once more.
“I’m Jack-in-the-Green, the Green Man, but only a man, I am only but one half of the energy and majesty of the May time. To be complete there must be a lady of spring, a Queen of the May?”
Then there was a challenge from Jack to all the young maidens, “Are you strong of Spirit and of body, does life flow through your veins with power and eagerness?”
After a few heart fluttering moments, the young maiden to be our Queen of May was chosen. Aine became our Queen of the May, hail to the Queen. Being duly crowned our Queen was introduced to all assembled, to be known and recognised in her Sovereignty.

Our May Queen
The rite settled back once again and Debbie led everyone in the burning of the mistletoe left from the Mid Winter ritual. Each person took pieces of mistletoe and cast them into the fire to burn away the negative energy as a symbol of what is no longer required in our lives.
The Eisteddfod followed including the story of the Druid who grew too big for his cloak.
All too soon it was time to return to the ordinary world.
With time afterwards to have a chat and a cuppa, the evening ended with a warm glow of friendship and understanding.
Thank you to Harrier for leading a wonderfully gentle but powerful rite (and guiding us through the excitable and puckish energies of the evening), to our Queen of May, the Keeper of the Fires and to that mysterious Jack whoever he was?